The Kershaw
Presbyterian Church was organized on May 24th, 1891, with sixteen charter
members. In 1893 the old Baptist church building was purchased and moved
to the corner of Matson and Marion streets. The Kershaw Presbyterians
worshiped there until 1917 when the building was sold to the Baptists of
the mill section.For the next three years the congregation worshiped in
the Methodist church or the public school building.
The present church building was completed in 1920, and the Sunday
school building was built in 1940. In 1951, the church was completely
renovated and redecorated. In 1980, the church purchased the Alva Bell
residence to house the Kershaw Clothes Closet. That organization used the
building until May 1991. In 1986, the John Stevens Foundation made
it possible for the church to acquire the former telephone company
building, now known as the Stevens Activity Building.
The first Presbyterian manse was built on Matson street in 1900. It was
enlarged and improved in 1922. In 1958 the manse was sold and the present
brick manse was built on Park Drive.
The organization of Presbyterian Women was also know as Ladies Aid
Society in 1893. Since then, although the name has changed, the women have
continued to be an active and vital organization of the church.
Subcommittees from this group are responsible for planning the Joy Gift
Program, Nursery activities, Hospitality, and Flowers.
Many opportunities for worship are available to church members. These
include Bible Studies, Men's Share Group, Praise, Prayer, Share group,
Youth Fellowship, Sunday School classes, Etta Hayes or Virgie Estridge
Circles, and adult , cherub, and hand bell choirs. The Christian
Education, Music, and Worship committees assist the Session with planning
and organizing church activities.
The Kershaw Presbyterian Church has a reputation for hosting and
sharing with the community many unique worship opportunities.
International groups, Vacation Bible School programs, revival services,
and special musical are anticipated and supported by Christians throughout
the area.
The Kershaw Presbyterian Church works and serves closely with the
Beaver Creek Presbyterian Church through a shared minister, and joint
Sunday School. Beaver Creek Presbyterians have a proud history that dates
to 1771 and were instrumental in establishment this church.
To commemorate the one hundredth anniversary of Kershaw Presbyterian,
an Historical Room has been designated to display the original charter,
list of ministers, and other memorabilia. The room is located to the right
of the choir loft as one enters the sanctuary.
In 1991, the Kershaw Presbyterian church had grown to ninety-seven
members from forty-two households. The church is governed by six elders,
two of whom rotate off each year. Until 1988, the Kershaw Presbyterian was
a member of the Bethel Presbytery. As a result of the reunification of the
Presbyterian church, Bethel Presbytery's boundaries were expanded to
include parts of Union and Kershaw counties. At that time, the name of the
presbytery was changed to Providence. Kershaw Presbyterian Church is a
member of the Providence Presbytery.
Adapted from a complication from church record by Frances Moreland.
